The Junky’s Christmas is a 1993 short claymation film directed by Nick Donkin and Melodie McDaniel. William S. Burroughs wrote the story and narrates the film. He also appears in live-action footage at the beginning and end. The story originally appeared in the 1989 collection Interzone and the recording of Burroughs reciting it was additionally released on the CD Spare Ass Annie and Other Tales. The film was produced by Francis Ford Coppola and released by Koch Vision on DVD in North America on Nov. 21, 2006.

I’m supposing that most William Burroughs aficionados (or Burroughsians, if you prefer) are familiar with this film. But maybe not. Seeing as how I wasn’t until quite recently, when a friend sent it to me. In all likelihood, many of the rest of you won’t know it. It’s a very special story, presented in a very special way. And to my mind perfect for this time of year. Or any time. It’s even…yeah, mystical.

Yet there is one caveat. You really must watch the entire film! Otherwise there’s no point in watching any of it. Indeed, those who are not William Burroughs fans may well find themselves turned off by the earlier sequences. At the end, however, it all comes right. And will for the most squeamish among you, as well. Yes, WSB definitely gives Charlie Dickens a run for his Christmas money!

Now, since YouTube has running time limits for individual clips, you’ll need to click on each of the four parts separately. Which shouldn’t be a problem, as all the segments are on the same page. The total viewing time is just over 20 minutes. If that seems long, it’s not. It all goes very quickly. And here you have it: The Junky’s Christmas by William S. Burroughs